There is something truly irresistible about a Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe that combines tender, savory beef with crisp, vibrant vegetables all coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce. This dish brings together the perfect balance of textures and colors, showcasing the magic of simple ingredients working harmoniously. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress family and friends, this stir-fry is always a winner and guaranteed to brighten your dinner table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each chosen to enhance the flavor, texture, and color of your stir-fry. From the succulent beef slices to the crisp bell peppers and broccoli, every component plays a vital role in creating a well-rounded and mouthwatering meal.
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing tender cuts sliced correctly ensures maximum juiciness and easy chewing.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth that is the soul of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Provides a rich, slightly sweet complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and thickness, balancing the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a glossy coating that locks in juiciness and thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for quick searing and stir-frying.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic pungency that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty warmth and bright bite that elevates every mouthful.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings vibrant color and sweet crispness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers contrasting color and a slightly grassy flavor.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and slight crunch when cooked just right.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Provides a tender crunch and earthy freshness that perfectly complements the beef.
- 2 tablespoons water (for steaming): Helps steam the vegetables gently, keeping them crisp-tender.
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green for garnish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Begin by tossing the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This simple marinade does a magical job at infusing rich flavor while tenderizing the meat. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to soak in all those delicious notes while you prep the veggies.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread the beef out in a single layer and sear for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until it browns beautifully but isn’t fully cooked—this quick searing locks in the juices and flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until their aromas fill the kitchen. Next, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes to get them crisp and vibrant. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and steam for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still have a pleasing crunch.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the seared beef to the skillet and toss everything together so the beef warms through and all ingredients get coated in that luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to marry perfectly and the beef to finish cooking without losing juiciness.
How to Serve Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of this Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is how easy it is to elevate with simple garnishes. Thinly sliced green onions add a fresh crunch and visual appeal, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds offers a delicate nutty flavor and delightful texture contrast. They transform the dish from everyday to memorable with almost no effort.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines when served over steaming hot rice or tender noodles, each soaking up the savory sauce to make every bite flavorful. Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist provide a perfect base. Alternatively, buttered egg noodles or soba noodles create a satisfying, comforting plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or casual entertaining, serve this stir-fry in crispy lettuce wraps to add a refreshing crispness alongside the warm beef and veggies. You can also pile it onto vibrant steamed buns or stuff it into warmed tortillas for an Asian-inspired fusion flair. Presentation with colorful bowls and chopsticks turns up the excitement at the table instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef may absorb more sauce over time, enhancing the flavor even further, but the veggies remain pleasantly crisp if reheated carefully.
Freezing
Freezing the Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe isn’t ideal because the vegetables can become mushy, but if needed, freeze the cooked beef separately in an airtight container for 2 to 3 months. It reheats better on its own, and you can quickly stir-fry fresh vegetables when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly without drying out the beef. Adding a splash of soy sauce or water helps restore moisture. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you must, cover loosely and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
Flank steak or sirloin are perfect because they are lean, tender, and slice well against the grain, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience without toughness.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
While fresh vegetables yield the best texture and flavor, frozen vegetables can work in a pinch. Just be mindful to stir-fry them slightly less to avoid turning them mushy.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Simply add a dash of chili garlic sauce or a drizzle of sriracha sauce during cooking or as a topping to bring a satisfying heat that complements the savory sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the beef up to 2 hours ahead to deepen flavor, but for the best texture, avoid marinating longer than that as cornstarch can break down the meat slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is a true kitchen hero that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying, colorful feast in no time. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to whip up a dish that feels special even on the busiest nights. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight go-to that pleases everyone at the table!
Print
Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Classic Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring tender slices of beef coated in a savory sauce, stir-fried with crisp vegetables like bell peppers, onion, and broccoli. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons water (for steaming)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch until well coated. Allow it to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Steam the Vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet, cover, and allow the vegetables to steam for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the seared beef to the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through and the sauce coats all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the marinade or during cooking.
- Feel free to substitute or add vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms based on availability and preference.
- To keep the beef tender, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing and cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to control sodium level if necessary.
